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OTTAWA, March 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) –  An organization that has represented the families of women who were killed while pregnant is pleased that the Unborn Victims of Violence Act has passed second reading in the House of Commons.

“It was wonderful to see that those 147 Members of Parliament chose to speak out to protect the choice women who are victims of violence had made to become mothers,” said Marie-Christine Houle, Executive Director of Women for Women’s Health. “We firmly believe the House made its political will known and that it was a great demonstration of the strength and power of the democratic process.”

  Aydin Cocelli, brother-in-law of Aysun Sessen, a 25 year old woman who was killed along with her baby girl Gul in Toronto last October, spoke to Women for Women’s Health to express his disappointment with certain MPs who had spoken to him directly and said they were going to support the legislation but did not. Among them was NDP leader Jack Layton.  According to Cocelli, he met Layton during one of his visits to Ottawa and Layton shook his hand and told him he was in favor of Bill C-484. Yesterday, however, Mr. Layton voted against the bill that would make it a separate offense to injure or kill a foetus during a criminal offense committed on the mother. Layton’s office was unavailable when LifeSiteNews.com called for comment.

  Ms. Houle was present in the gallery of the House, along with one of the victim’s parents and brother. Solomon Sessen, Aysun Sessen’s father, was overjoyed with the conclusion of a very close vote (147 for, 133 against).

  The Bill will now be sent to the justice committee for review. The vote following the second hour of debate is a hurdle that is rarely overcome by a Private Members Bill.

“It was really touching to be able to share these instants with Aysun’s family who are selflessly fighting for this legislation, along with families of other victims,” added Ms. Houle. 

“I think Mr. Sessen said it best when he told me that it is important for people to come together so that Canada can stand strong. He also pointed out that he does not wish a similar grief and sorrow on any other Canadian families and that he is doing what he is doing for everyone.”